Joburg man missing at sea – presumed drowned on Christmas day

Lifesaving SA lifeguards, along with Ethekwini Lifeguards from Amanzimtoti and Brighton Beach, joined SAP Search & Rescue in the search for a man that was washed out to sea early in the afternoon on Christmas day at The Cutting Beach, Merebank, Durban.

The 25 year old man from Joburg was at the non swimming beach with friends when he was caught in a rip current. The man struggled against the current, then tragically lost his bodyboard and drowned. His body disappeared below the surface before the rescue services arrived on the scene. Lifeguard Rescue boats from Reunion Beach and Ansteys Beach assisted in the search but were unsuccessful in locating the man’s body.

The search for the missing man will continue tomorrow.

Precaution No 1: Swim in an area protected by lifeguards. This way you will be rescued if you are washed into a rip current.

What to do if you get into trouble in the sea:

·         Stay calm. People drown because they become exhausted by panicking.

·         Wave one arm above your head to signal for assistance. Use your other arm to help tread water.

·         Conserve your energy so that you stay afloat until you are rescued.

·        
If caught in a rip current, and you are a strong swimmer, swim parallel to the shore towards breaking waves. Once in the wave zone, you will be pushed back to shore. If you are a weak swimmer, go with the current – it will take you further out initially, but will dissipate at which point you will be able to make your way across to the wave zone or simply wait to be rescued. Rip currents are narrow and fade out further out to sea.

Don’t attempt to rescue another person without using flotation. Would be rescuers, that don’t have floatation, are often drowned by their victims. Call for assistance. Dial 112 from your cell phone or 082911, or 084124.

WARNING: SPRING TIDES 23rd Dec. 2014

Lifesaving SA is warning South African beachgoers to exercise extra caution when swimming in the sea over the next three days because of strong rip currents that will be experienced over this time.

The strong rip currents are caused by extreme high and low tides. The extremes result in a bigger than normal change between tides, resulting in a larger volume of water drainage between high and low tides. This increased drainage of water forms strong rip currents that wash people further out in the surf and are the leading cause of drowning in the sea.

Precaution No 1: Swim in an area protected by lifeguards. This way you will be rescued if you are washed into a rip current.

What to do if you get into trouble in the sea:

• ·         Stay calm. People drown because they become exhausted by panicking.
• ·         Wave one arm above your head to signal for assistance. Use your other arm to help tread water.
• ·         Conserve your energy so that you stay afloat until you are rescued.
• ·         If caught in a rip current, and you are a strong swimmer, swim parallel to the shore towards breaking waves. Once in the wave zone, you will be pushed back to shore. If you are a weak swimmer, go with the current – it will take you further out initially, but will dissipate at which point you will be able to make your way across to the wave zone or simply wait to be rescued. Rip currents are narrow and fade out further out to sea.

IMPORTANT: Don’t attempt to rescue another person without using flotation. Would be rescuers, that don’t have flotation are often drowned by their victims. Call for assistance. Dial 112 from your cell phone or 082911, or 084124.

Beach Safety Tips

Beach Safety Tips

Tragedies at the beach are mostly due to a lack of safety knowledge. The following tips cover water safety as well as protection measures to take whilst on the beach

·         MOST IMPORTANTLY: Swim where there are Lifeguards on duty: This will ensure that there is someone equipped and trained to rescue you when you get into trouble in the sea.

·         Swim between the red & yellow flag: this is the safest area to swim as tested by the Lifeguards on duty. The Lifeguards also constantly monitor this area, making it even safer.

·         Stay at a depth that is consistent with your swimming ability and the sea conditions. Make sure that you can maintain a footing in rough conditions.

·         Supervise your children closely at all times. Children make up the majority of drowning victims.

·         Use sun/UV protection. The UV is strongest between 10am and 2pm.

·         If you are allergic, or suspect that you might be allergic to bluebottles, stay out of the sea when bluebottles are around. If you are allergic to bee stings, you may be allergic to bluebottle stings.

·         Don’t swim in the sea after drinking alcohol. Your judgement of the conditions and your ability will be impaired. Alcohol is a main contributor to drownings in the sea.

·         Avoid swimming near rocks, jetties, piers, breakwaters, or at night.
.       Stay well hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion.

What to do if you get into trouble in the sea:

·         Stay calm. People drown because they become exhausted by panicking.

·         Wave one arm above your head to signal for assistance. Use your other arm to help tread water.

·         Conserve your energy so that you stay afloat until you are rescued.

·        If caught in a rip current, and you are a strong swimmer, swim parallel to the shore towards breaking waves. Once in the wave zone, you will be pushed back to shore. If you are a weak swimmer, go with the current – it will take you further out initially, but will dissipate at which point you will be able to make your way across to the wave zone or simply wait to be rescued. Rip currents are narrow and fade out further out to sea, making it possible for you to either swim across and out of the current, or swim with the current until it dissipates, then swim towards the wave zone which will bring you back to the beach.

Don’t attempt to rescue another person without using flotation. Would be rescuers, that don’t have floatation, are often drowned by their victims. Call 112 from your cell phone of 082911 or 084124.

Treatment of Bluebottle stings

• Remove the stinger as soon as possible using your finger tips. Apply ice and or an antihistamine cream to the affected area. This will help reduce pain and slow the spread of the "venom". DO NOT rub with sand or apply hot water. This will have the opposite effect. Check for any signs of allergic reaction like difficulty in breathing. If any adverse reaction is seen, get medical assistance as soon as possible.